Seventy-eight young women from Nairobi and Kiambu Counties have recently graduated from the PEPFAR/USAID-supported DREAMS Construction Skills Training program. This initiative, aimed at bridging gender gaps in traditionally male-dominated sectors, has equipped these women with essential skills in plumbing and electrical work, marking a significant stride towards gender inclusivity in Kenya’s construction industry.
The graduation ceremony, held at Project Safe Spaces, was a momentous occasion for both the graduates and the broader community. These women, who have completed their training with accredited institutions, are now poised to enter job sectors that have historically been underrepresented by women. With a total of 427 graduates from the program to date, the initiative has already made a notable impact in challenging gender norms and providing women with opportunities in fields where their presence is sparse.
Principal Secretary of the State Department of Social Protection and Senior Citizens Affairs, Joseph Motari, underscored the transformative potential of the USAID Tumikia Mtoto project during the ceremony. He highlighted the stark reality that women constitute a mere 3 percent of the workforce in Kenya’s construction sector as artisans. Motari praised the program for its role in not only creating job opportunities for women but also in bolstering their resilience and confidence to overcome life’s challenges.
“The government appreciates programs geared towards the welfare and rights of women and children,” Motari stated. “Establishing mitigation measures to assist women and children in emerging situations and poverty is crucial. By imparting essential skills to these young women, we are empowering them to rise above societal challenges, a move that is both commendable and necessary.”
Dr. David Githanga, Board Chair of World Vision Kenya, echoed these sentiments and emphasized the program’s role in addressing the severe underrepresentation of women in the construction industry. He noted that while the industry plays a critical role in job creation, women’s representation remains alarmingly low. According to research, only 3 percent of construction artisans, 15.5 percent of contractors, and 17 percent of quantity surveyors in Kenya are women. This disparity highlights the pressing need for initiatives that can alter this narrative.
“Our vision is to see every child experience life in its fullness and to cultivate a will to make that vision a reality,” Githanga said. “Despite advancements in the industry, women’s representation remains disproportionately low. This program is a crucial step towards changing this narrative by empowering more youth with life-saving skills and opportunities to build better lives.”
The graduates of the DREAMS program have not only gained practical skills but have also received official accreditation from the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and the National Construction Authority (NCA). This certification ensures that they are qualified to practice their trades professionally, further enhancing their employability and potential to contribute to the sector.
The success of this program underscores the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between USAID and Kenya’s public and private sectors in promoting gender inclusivity. By focusing on education, skills development, and economic opportunities, the initiative aligns with broader goals of advancing gender equity and improving livelihoods across the country.
As these 78 women step into their new roles, they embody the promise of a more inclusive and diverse construction industry. Their achievements not only signify personal triumphs but also serve as a beacon of progress for other women aspiring to enter similar fields. This milestone is a testament to the power of targeted interventions in overcoming barriers and creating pathways for success in all sectors of society.
